Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Parenting and Advocacy Mid-Year Grade Acceleration for DS8 - Help!

I recall a meeting we had regarding grade-skipping my DS (then 8) where someone wondered how he would fit in with the older kids in the next grade. His 3rd grade teacher basically said he didn't fit in with the 3rd graders any better than he would with the 4th/5th graders, but at least he'd be infinitely happier with the acceleration and subsequent grade skip (which turned out to be true). I remember being so thankful that she recognized the needs of my DS.

Good luck to you.

Well, the meeting went okay. We are going to be formally requesting a grade skip, but that will take 90 days. So, in the interim DS8 will be moving to a gifted cluster class on January 5th, and will be subject accelerated in math and language arts. The team agreed that an immediate change was necessary and that DS has not been appropriately challenged/educated.

It was kind of funny though...we had understanding and support from the principal and gifted teacher, but some resistance from the accelerated content teacher and the assistant principal. Two were saying that we will monitor this switch and re-assess in 3 months. The other two were saying that this would be plenty stimulating and they didn't feel he would need further modifications. Hmmmm, definately a divided decision.

Thanks again for all your insight.
Mommyj2